17 questions to a well-dressed man: Alessandro Marinella
Photo credit: Alessandro Marinella
Most people will probably guess what Alessandro Marinella’s background is by seeing his surname. And yes, you’re all guessing it right as he is indeed a scion from the 100 years old family company E. Marinella in Naples, Italy. The company is famous for their handmade bespoke and ready to wear ties and many Presidents, Kings, movie stars and connoisseurs of sartorial clothing have found their way to the small shop in Naples over the last 100 years. Despite the fact that the company is meanwhile very famous and is having a couple of shops worldwide, Alessandro and his father Maurizio are often to find serving customers in the small Naples shop personally. At E. Marinella the customer is King, and the King is a customer. Of course, beside wearing the beautiful ties his family company is making Alessandro also knows how to choose other pieces of clothing like wonderfully made bespoke suits, shirts, shoes and he has a good eye for watches, which is a passion of him. Luckily, he lives in Naples where there are still a good number of artisans who can make clothing by hand and so there is plenty of choice for him. It’s a pleasure to have somebody with this background and such a passion answering the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ and the answers he gave you will find below.
What are you wearing today?
Today I’m wearing a less formal outfit, a sweater and smart-casual trousers, because I’m in the office helping with eCommerce, so I need to wear something practical.
Usually, during the week I like to wear bespoke suits and I play with ties to give a personal touch. In my spare time I tend to have a casual style.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
Probably, 90% I prefer watches. I like suits and when I can I enjoy buying bespoke, but watches are a passion for me. I like many styles, classic, formal or sports watches, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that they have a detail or touch that strikes me as interesting or unique.
What jewellery could a man wear?
The obvious answer would probably be a necklace or bracelet. In fact, personally, I don't particularly like wearing jewellery. I prefer a simple look. I prefer that my arms and neck are unadorned.
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie. A bowtie is great to wear on some occasions, but it doesn’t fit with my personal style. With a tie you can change more and give a different style to the look. You can wear a classic one in silk, or a knitted tie, or wool, and your style will be totally different. More business-formal or more casual/sporty, depending on the tie you choose.
Do you remember your first jacket?
Actually, it was a classic bespoke suit. I was with my father and we went together to the tailor. It is still like that. Often we go together. I was born and brought-up in an artisanal environment and it was a natural event to have a bespoke suit at a young age.
What is your favourite watch?
Panerai, particularly the limited editions. But, of course, Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, there are many that I admire. It depends. All of them have something that I like for different reasons.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
I should say fountain pen, but the reality is that a ballpoint is more practical and that’s what I use most of the time. I have some fountain pens and they are precious and beautiful, but I can say that today there are also alot of very stylish ballpoints.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
TIES!!! Being serious, I think that one cannot find just one perfect garment. It depends on the situation. There can be a perfect garment for any given occasion or look. But each requires the appropriate dress code and so, the “perfect” garment for it.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Sport. I can summarise in one word. I enjoy exercising outdoors and I love sport because I love feeling healthy.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Food. I enjoy cooking and I like eating and trying new flavours.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
According to my opinion, being technically well-dressed means nothing if you don’t express your personality through your look. In the past, of course I can say Gianni Agnelli or, another icon, Sean Connery. But for sure, the best is my father!
The best book you ever read?
The Count of Monte Cristo. I love the story, I enjoy the atmosphere it evokes and I admire the style of the prose.
There are many beautiful and interesting books. How you perceive a book also depends on your age and the stage of your life. For sure, there are some books on business and economics that I found interesting during my studies at University. Or now, some books about style that interest me, for my work.
Which city should one go shopping?
In Italy, Milan is the most cosmopolitan city, so you can find all the latest fashions and the newest products. New York and London both offer the best variety of choice, they are the coolest and most on-trend cities, very fashionable. But, if you want tradition, craftsmanship and bespoke products, you cannot find better than Naples where there is a long history of bespoke and artisanal products. Naples is a particular city with a strong identity and style.
Tweed or flannel?
Nice question! And the answer is that you must have both! Flannel is the quintessential winter fabric. Comfortable and elegant. Tweed is a classic for the countryside or for sporting pursuits. Both are comfortable, but maybe, according to my taste, I would choose flannel.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
My interest, first and foremost, is in good food! And of course there are many wonderful restaurants on the coastline around Naples, with magical views. But during my stay in London I visited the German Gymnasium, which is spectacular and recognised worldwide as one of the most beautiful restaurants. I cannot disagree.
Describe your style in three words?
Dynamic, young with personality and refined.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
Some lucrative stock investments! Again, being serious, the best purchase wasn’t just for the product itself but also for the experience. I bought a credit card holder in London and I was really struck by their attention to the customer. They led me into a room, offered me a drink, showed me all the different models…I felt indulged and valued.